Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine.

A Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine. test is used to compare the amount of albumin to the amount of creatinine present in the urine. This test helps detect early kidney disease that usually occurs as a complication of diabetes and hypertension. It checks for very small (or "micro") amounts of albumin which may not be detected by routine methods.

Albumin is one of the major proteins required for the body’s growth, development, and tissue repair. When the kidneys are healthy, only small amounts of albumin pass from the bloodstream into the urine. Persistent albumin excretion (above the normal value), is called microalbuminuria. In type 1 and 2 diabetes and hypertension, the presence of microalbuminuria on repeat specimens may signify early kidney disease and may be the first sign of kidney disorder. It is also a marker, in patients with or without diabetes, for cardiovascular mortality.

In type 1 and 2 diabetes and hypertension, the presence of microalbuminuria on repeat specimens may signify early kidney disease and may be the first sign of kidney disorder. It is also a marker, in patients with or without diabetes, for cardiovascular mortality.

An abnormal test result may be the first sign of kidney disease. This ratio is a more accurate way to measure the amount of albumin in urine than microalbumin alone.

Creatinine is a chemical waste produced from the normal breakdown of muscles in the body. It is filtered by the kidneys and eliminated via the urine.  In absence of kidney disease, urine creatinine is excreted in rather constant amounts. In this test, urinary creatinine is used in a ratio format to normalize albumin excretion rate. This ratio takes care of any variation in albumin levels in spot (random, small amount) urine samples.

You may need a Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio, Urine. test if you are at risk of developing kidney disease. This test is done even in absence of any symptoms , but you are either diabetic, hypertensive, have a family history of diabetes, have a heart disease, are overweight or a smoker. Your doctor may also advise this test if you are at a higher risk of developing kidney disease to hopefully detect the problems at an earlier stage. Risk factors for kidney disease may include diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, etc. If kidney disease is diagnosed at an early stage if you are diabetic, appropriate treatment can be given and its effects can be closely monitored.

Before your test, make sure you’ve drunk enough water to be able to submit a urine sample for testing. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications and supplements before the test as they may affect the test results. A mid-stream urine sample should be collected into a sterile container provided by the sample collection professional. Women are advised not to give the sample during the menstrual period unless prescribed as that can interfere with certain test results.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your overall health, and formulate an overall treatment plan.